Chinese lawmakers review first national childcare services bill
The move reflects authorities’ efforts to encourage childbirth and alleviate pressures on families.
The draft bill was submitted for its initial reading at the National People’s Congress, China’s highest legislative body. It seeks to regulate childcare services, safeguard the welfare of children under age three, and support broader policies on parenting and family support.
As more households rely on dual incomes, demand for childcare has surged. While China has approximately 126,000 childcare centers, nearly 30 million children under the age of three live across the country, far outstripping available services.
Officials describe the draft law as adopting a demand-driven, problem-focused approach to address key challenges in the sector. It emphasizes service quality, staff qualifications, and regulatory oversight, with the goal of providing safe, affordable, and high-quality childcare while reducing the financial burden on families.
Key proposals include requiring centers to meet minimum staffing, facility, and funding standards, and mandating the public display of licenses and safety protocols. The law also calls for a national qualification system for childcare workers and bars individuals with criminal records from employment in the sector.
Additional measures cover play-based learning, screen-time limits, food safety, and video surveillance in critical areas of childcare facilities. The legislation aligns with broader government initiatives, such as free preschool education, aimed at easing household expenses and addressing demographic challenges.
Lawmakers are expected to continue debating the bill through Saturday, according to reports.
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